An old-style Rioja that my wife and I really enjoyed last night. Not shy about the oak, though more vanilla than splinters. Nose of vanilla and tart strawberries. Lighter-medium weight, smooth texture, with ripe plum and cedar. Wife detected tobacco, also. Clean finish with good acidity. 13% alc., $21 at Binny's in Chicago. I'd buy it again if I could find it in Atlanta.

Matched nicely with candles and a John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman CD. If there is a more romantic baritone jazz vocalist than Johnny Hartman, I've yet to hear him.

Since you asked, let me give my answer: a young man named Greg Glassman. This guy is as exciting a trumpet player as you could ask for. He's making great new music. Ok, ok, so it remains to be seen whether or not he's Coltrane-caliber, and in the interests of full disclosure, he is a close friend of mine. But, he is young and has already played with some of the greats and is attracting some noteworthy attention around NYC. From my admittedly biased perspective, I think he's a rising star. He's got two CDs out and his quartet is currently playing every Tuesday night at a place called Niagara, just a few blocks from Is-wine.

Ah, should have mentioned that most nights he doesn't play till midnight. This week (today) however, he's playing starting at 9. I'll be there with a few friends. The jazz happens in a room in the back of the place.